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Published on: November 8, 2011
CD3-negative lymphoproliferative disease of granular lymphocytes containing Epstein-Barr viral DNA
K Kawa-Ha1, S Ishihara, T Ninomiya
1Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Hospital, Japan.
Insights
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA was found in the blood of some patients with lymphoproliferative disease of granular lymphocytes (LDGL). This suggests EBV may contribute to the development of LDGL in certain cases.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Lymphoproliferative disease of granular lymphocytes (LDGL) is a complex and heterogeneous disorder.
- A subset of patients with chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (CAEBV) infection also present with LDGL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in the pathogenesis of LDGL.
- To determine the presence of EBV DNA in patients diagnosed with LDGL.
Main Methods:
- Southern blot analysis was employed to detect EBV DNA sequences.
- Peripheral blood DNA samples from seven LDGL patients, including one with CAEBV, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- EBV DNA was detected in the peripheral blood of the patient with CAEBV infection.
- Four additional patients with CD3-LDGL also tested positive for EBV DNA.
- The presence of a single band for EBV genome's joined termini in two samples indicated a clonal disorder in those LDGL cases.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a potential pathogenic role for EBV in a subset of LDGL cases.
- EBV infection may be a contributing factor in the development of certain types of LDGL.
Abstract:
Lymphoproliferative disease of granular lymphocytes (LDGL) is a heterogeneous disorder and the pathogenesis is likely to be complex. Some patients with chronic active EBV (CAEBV) infection also have LDGL. To investigate the relationship between EBV infection and the pathogenesis of LDGL, we conducted a survey for EBV DNA sequences by Southern blot analysis of DNA obtained from the peripheral blood of seven patients with LDGL, including one with CAEBV infection. Interestingly, EBV DNA was detected in the sample from the patient with CAEBV infection, and in the samples from four other patients with CD3-LDGL. Moreover, a single band for the joined termini of the EBV genome was demonstrated in two samples, suggesting a clonal disorder of those LDGL. These findings strongly suggest that EBV may play a pathogenic role in some cases of LDGL.
